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Anolon Nouvelle Copper Stainless Steel Cookware Set 2012 Giveaway!


by Michael Chu
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This holiday season (2012), we're running one more giveaway contest! Anolon has generously provided an entire 10-piece set of Anolon Nouvelle Copper Stainless Steel Cookware for me to give away to a lucky reader. Read on to find out how to enter this contest!

Earlier today, I posted my review of the 3-quart covered saute pan with helper handle that I had a chance to use for the last few months. That pan is normally $80 (on sale) to $100 (regular price) by itself. This ten piece set is normally $300 and can be a great value if you need more than one additional pot or pan (for someone just starting out or someone who needs to replace more than one piece of cookware).

This set comes with six pots as well as four lids:
  • 3-quart saute pan with lid
  • 1.25-quart saucepan with lid
  • 2.5-quart saucepan with lid
  • 6.5-quart stockpot with lid
  • 8-inch french skillet
  • 10.5-inch french skillet
The saute pan I reviewed is not one of the ones included in this set, but the 3.5-quart saute pan is very similar with two major differences: it is 1/2 quart larger and does not have the helper loop handle. Anolon is running a giveaway for the 3-quart pan. To enter, read the instructions at the bottom of my review.


This time I'm running the giveaway for two weeks (ending on December 24, 2012) and would appreciate any help in spreading the word!

I'll run the giveaway similarly to the Thermapen giveaway from last week but change the comment from "your favorite article on CFE" to "what's your favorite pot and why?". Here are the rules for this contest:
  1. You need to be in the United States to qualify for this giveaway. (Sorry, world! Feel free to participate in the comments if you wish, but leave a note that you aren't entering if you can't or don't want to win.)
  2. Join Cooking For Engineers (through the forums) and post a comment to this article with what your favorite pot or pan is and why (what do you like about it or what do you like to cook with it). I need you to join so, if you win, I'll have an email address to contact you with to get your mailing info so Anolon / Meyer Corporation can send you the cookware. I won't have contact information for guest/anonymous posts so I can't include your entry unless you are logged in. (If you are an existing member, be sure to double check your email address on file to make sure it's accurate.)
  3. On December 24, 2012, I'll post a comment signifying the end of the contest. All entries (where I have contact info) above my comment will be eligible to win. (I don't know what time I'll be making the post, so it's best just to enter early.)
  4. I'll number the participants and generate a random number which will determine the winner and post the winner as well as contact them via email. If there is no response within 72 hours of my email, then I'll probably pick another number and winner (and so on).
  5. It takes a couple weeks for Anolon / Meyer to ship the cookware, so the winner should receive it sometime in January 2013.

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Written by Michael Chu
Published on December 10, 2012 at 01:55 AM
118 comments on Anolon Nouvelle Copper Stainless Steel Cookware Set 2012 Giveaway!:(Post a comment)

On December 10, 2012 at 02:55 AM, Michael Chu said...
In the past, a small subset of readers have had difficulty getting the user registration confirmation code to work properly. If you've tried three times and it's still not working (and you properly incremented each letter or number) then simply send me an email at cooking@cookingforengineers.com letting me know the confirmation code isn't working for you. In the email include the username you wish to have and I'll set it up for you.


On December 10, 2012 at 04:10 AM, anson said...
Subject: My favorite pot
My favorite pot is the 4 gallon stainless steel stock pot I use when brewing beer.


On December 10, 2012 at 05:21 AM, Romberry said...
Subject: My favorite pot or pan
My very favorite pan? A 10 inch cast iron skillet with an interior bottom that is machined flat. Why? First, it was my mother's skillet, and her mother's before that. So it's a family heirloom and that alone makes it dear to my heart. But skip all that and the reason that this old skillet with a thick and crinkly crust of carbon around the outside that has built up over at lest sixty years of use is because it cooks great! I can sear with it at the highest temps. I can fry an egg in it and have what amounts to non-stick performance. I can saute. I can put in an inch of oil and make the best fried chicken you ever ate.

My old cast iron skillet isn't elegant and it isn't fancy. But it has the history of prior generations dating back to the 1940's and my grandmother coming home from the mill to put it to use to feed her family. And now I use it to feed my family.

It's a great piece of cookware, and if I could have only a single piece of cookware in my kitchen, this would be it.

So that's my favorite. And that's why.


On December 10, 2012 at 05:28 AM, CookBot said...
Subject: When 'favorite' doesn't equal 'most-used'
I have a form-versus-function dilemma when it comes to my favorite cooking pan. My very old Cousances enamelled cast iron braiser is so beautiful that it's permanently stored right on the stovetop, where I can constantly admire it. But in truth, the pot I reach for virtually every day is a 3-quart stainless steel chef's pan made by Cuisinart. Its balance in my hand is perfect, its shallow bottom and wide top facilitate reduction, and its gently sloped sides are ideal for quick meals of sauteed or stir-fried ingredients. And it cost about 1/10th of what the Cousances beauty queen did.


On December 10, 2012 at 06:27 AM, CryingRyan said...
Subject: Favorite cooking Pam
I have a large soup pot from Calphalon. It has thick walls and nice curves with sturdy handles. I love it because when I'm cooking, I can just about stick my whole head in it to get an emmersive smell of the food.


On December 10, 2012 at 07:05 AM, johassler said...
Subject: All clad 8 qt soup pot
I love our soup pot; I used it most recently to make massive batches of fudge this weekend. Easy even cooking with lots of volume. Yay for soup pots!


On December 10, 2012 at 07:28 AM, mexicanity said...
Subject: Favorite pot
My favorite is the stockpot. Either for a simple broth or something more comforting, like pozole.

Thanks for the giveaway!


On December 10, 2012 at 07:53 AM, jon@lasser.org said...
Subject: My Favorite: Le Creuset dutch oven
I do love my cast iron pan, but the go-to pot in my kitchen is my round Le Creuset Dutch Oven. It's the 5 1/2 quart size, and perfect for braising, soups, and even browning and sauteeing when I want to stick to a single pot for my dish. It's easy to clean (even if the bottom is stained) and should last for many years to come.


On December 10, 2012 at 08:03 AM, Electrocuted said...
My favorite has to be our enameled cast iron dutch oven. I most often use it to bake no-knead bread in.


On December 10, 2012 at 08:33 AM, Sue said...
My roasting pan. I can roast all types of vegetables all year long, chickens, turkey and almost anything else. I use it all the time.


On December 10, 2012 at 08:45 AM, russellg99 said...
My current favorite is the 10" Calphalon non-stick pan. Good, versatile pan that can be used for frying just about anything, can be used in the oven, and comes with a glass lid.


On December 10, 2012 at 08:54 AM, will14301 said...
saute pan


On December 10, 2012 at 08:56 AM, khoffman50 (guest) said...
Subject: Anolon Nouvelle Copper Cookware
I would be thrilled to win this wonderful set of cookware. 31 years ago my father gave me a set of Revere cookware with copper bottoms. He died from a heart attack a couple of years later. I still use this set of cookware and love it for more reasons than it's wonderful ability to cook evenly. It cleans really well, and is light weight. Also, since selling a house to Michael Chu I've learned through his website many many great recipes that I have shared with all my family members. Kuddos to Michael!


On December 10, 2012 at 09:16 AM, feffrey said...
My favorite would be a giant sauce pot. Growing up I would help Mom make pasta sauce. The trick was conducting a few "taste tests" without being caught :)


On December 10, 2012 at 09:18 AM, jmeppley said...
Subject: Le Creuset Deep Skillet With Lid
This is a great pan for one-pot meals. It's also good for casseroles that need to be finished in the oven.

http://cookware.lecreuset.com/cookware/product_3-3%2F4-qt.-Deep-Covered-Skillet_10151_-1_20002_55062_10061


On December 10, 2012 at 09:34 AM, stellahav said...
Enameled cast iron dutch oven -- soups, meats, bread, everything


On December 10, 2012 at 09:34 AM, mvidas said...
My favorite is my cast iron skillet. I got it a couple years ago to be able to cook steak well indoors, for when I'm out of propane or its a bad blizzard outside. I've since learned to use it for a variety of other things, though lately I've really only used it for bacon. Still, it is my go-to pan (followed closely by my favorite pie pan).


On December 10, 2012 at 09:46 AM, midnitechef said...
Subject: Cookware giveaway
If I had to pick only one pot or pan to take with me it would be a 10-inch saute pan. It feels the most useful and is often what I use to whip something up quickly for dinner. Everything from a simple grilled cheese, to fried rice, sweet potato hash, eggs, steak... even pasta if you had to, although it would be in smaller portions.


On December 10, 2012 at 09:48 AM, blk4004 said...
Subject: favorite pot
it has to be my 10 inch saute skillet, it is deep enough for everything, and judging by the wear, it is also my most used pot


On December 10, 2012 at 09:56 AM, coseppikitchen said...
Subject: Favorite Pot
My favorite pot at home is our 8 quart stock pot. Because of its size, I end up using it for nearly every meal, for sauteing, braising, boiling, etc.

Out of this Anolon set, I'd probably like the large french skillet the best as it would allow me to move from sauteing large quantities of food in my stock pot to a more appropriate pan!


On December 10, 2012 at 09:59 AM, Chile Rellano said...
Subject: About the Anolon lid handles ...
... they are rounded, without a "flat spot", so they tip over when you place them on a counter bottom-up spilling the condensate that may be inside the lid.

My vintage Calphalon cookware has flat handles, easily lifted with a cook spoon, that remain parallel to a countertop when placed upside-down.

Granted, the rounded handles look nicer, but for me function trumps form.

Also, I bought an after-market glass lid for my big sauté pan after using, and liking, the glass lid on my big cooking pot. I'm a big fan of glass lids now.


On December 10, 2012 at 10:14 AM, zachjacobs said...
Subject: sauce perfection
Whenever I go home in the summer, my parents and I use a stockpot to make spaghetti sauce with their homegrown tomatoes. Yum yum! It turns out to be pretty incredible.


On December 10, 2012 at 10:26 AM, christyluv said...
Subject: My favorite pan
Is my deep dish cast iron skillet. It is a two-hander because it is so heavy but it makes perfect cornbread and is deep enough to properly fry chicken,


On December 10, 2012 at 10:45 AM, bytemyfoot said...
My favorite pot is my huge 15 gallon brewpot because I make beer with it!


On December 10, 2012 at 12:08 PM, DavidJ3d said...
Subject: Favorite Pan
Without a doubt my ancient cast iron skillet. It is versatile, and performs with a consistency that makes me better.


On December 10, 2012 at 12:54 PM, kguthmiller said...
Subject: favorite piece of cookware
Right now my favorite piece has to be my wok. Its a fairly new addition to my kitchen but i love making a good noodle stir fry.


On December 10, 2012 at 01:08 PM, hstanfi said...
My favorite pot is my Sitram 4.9-Quart Commercial Stainless Steel Saute Pan. It's essentially a frying pan that does double duty as a pot. It's perfect for creating one-pot meals like spaghetti or chili -- first I saute my meats and veggies, then add my sauce. I was married this year, and I did extensive research for my registry, and I found the Sitram to be a much more affordable alternative to the copper core All Clad -- and BOY am I ever glad I bought my Sitram. It heats up quickly due to the copper core, and it's just a nice sturdy pan. It's even dishwasher safe, although I still handwash it. I can't wait to add more to my collection.


On December 10, 2012 at 01:22 PM, Skayne said...
Subject: My Favorite Pot
I have a Kitchen Aid saute pan that I love because it is so versatile and can easily serve as the pot for a one pot meal. However, it is teflon, and I'm trying to get away from that.


On December 10, 2012 at 02:29 PM, Stacyfcooks said...
Love my Le Creuset Dutch oven - wouldn't make stew without it!


On December 10, 2012 at 02:34 PM, saregos said...
I've got a cast-iron 10" skillet that's insanely useful... It's not very high quality, but still my most-used pan.


On December 10, 2012 at 02:36 PM, whistj said...
Subject: Favorite Pot or Pan
my pressure cooker. big enough to cook almost anything I want to cook, saves me time on grains/beans. makes stock making a breeze.


On December 10, 2012 at 03:18 PM, Dawn said...
Subject: Off Topic: Anolon Nouvelle Copper Stainless Steel Cookware
I love my cast iron pans! I cook, bake, roast, and fry just about everything in them. I would appreciate winning these stainless steel pans! Thanks for the opportunity :)


On December 10, 2012 at 03:25 PM, dwulf said...
Subject: Favorite pot
My favorite is a 10" skillet, because I use it the most, it is the most versatile, and I use to brown meat which makes every dish taste better.


On December 10, 2012 at 04:23 PM, gregjsmith said...
I use my cast iron skillet the most.


On December 10, 2012 at 04:30 PM, alliaphagist said...
My favorite is a relatively cheap pot with a pasta insert and steamer basket. It makes cooking pasta so easy, and just about anything can be steamed in the basket, including chicken wings.


On December 10, 2012 at 04:32 PM, laursal said...
Subject: My favorite pot
My favorite pot is a cast iron dutch oven. I love it because my mother, who is deceased, gave it to me.


On December 10, 2012 at 04:41 PM, Michael Chu said...
Subject: Anolon 3-qt saute pan giveaway on Facebook!
Update: Anolon is also giving away a 3-qt saute pan with lid (valued at $100). This is the same pan that I reviewed and is a separate giveaway from the one I'm running here, so you have two chances to win something! The instructions are on the bottom of the article reviewing the Anolon Nouvelle Copper Stainless Steel 3-qt Covered Saute Pan.


On December 10, 2012 at 04:53 PM, jesusdeluxe said...
Subject: Hot Potz
I have a 3qt saucepan, whose brand I do not know. I use it for way more than a normal saucepan is used for. It is the most regularly used pot in my kitchen


On December 10, 2012 at 05:28 PM, JayS said...
Subject: favorite pot
My favorite varies from task to task, but the Crockpot probably edges out the others with a Cajun red beans and rice recipe.


On December 10, 2012 at 06:35 PM, acdaisy said...
Subject: Favorite Pot
I really don't have a favorite pot since I just used some used pots donated to me. I hope to win this so that it can be favorite pot.


On December 10, 2012 at 07:05 PM, smooterus said...
Subject: favorite anolon pot
Hi Michael! Hope I am not posting multiple times. So sorry if I did! I joined the forum and didn't realize I just had to log in and tried messaging with entering the code multiple times. Anyway, my favorite is the 6.5 qrt stockpot, perfect size for soups and sauces. My pots are either small or way large.


On December 10, 2012 at 07:53 PM, audreygrace17 said...
Subject: Favorite Pot
Though I don't own one, my favorite pot to admire at Sur La Table is a 6 qt Le Creuset dutch oven. I hope to own one some day!


On December 10, 2012 at 08:24 PM, ambermarie said...
Subject: favorite pan
My favorite pan is a wide non-stick chicken fryer. It's big enough for everything, and super easy to clean!


On December 10, 2012 at 08:28 PM, paulcz said...
definitely my Le Cruset dutch oven.


On December 10, 2012 at 10:03 PM, Frigidlizard said...
My Kuhn Rikon 5 quart pressure cooker. It came with both a pressure top and a clear glass lid and is by far the most versatile piece of cookware I own. Aside from pressure cooking, I can boil, steam, saute, and even deep-fry in it. It's smooth sides and depth make it perfect for candymaking. If I pop a steel mixing bowl on top it serves as a double-boiler. It is the coolest pan ever. B)


On December 10, 2012 at 10:08 PM, mrmargolis said...
Subject: Favorite pan
My favorite pan is a cast iron skillet. It's great for crisping up bacon.


On December 10, 2012 at 11:33 PM, Deb said...
Subject: Favorite Pan
My favorite pot is my 4 qt. Presto Pressure cooker which is 33 yrs old. I've used it hundreds of times!


On December 10, 2012 at 11:36 PM, smarti said...
Subject: Cast Iron
My fave is a cast iron skillet that was given to me when I got married 8 yrs ago. I use it primarily for making eggs but am toying with the idea of putting it in the oven to make cornbread. It reminds me of the old iron pots my grandmother used when I was a child. They just don't make pots like they used to!


On December 11, 2012 at 12:01 AM, daephin said...
Subject: Favorite pan
They're nothing special, but I always go back to my cheap department store pans because they work well enough and I've had them longer than anything else.


On December 11, 2012 at 12:03 AM, rmarqur said...
Subject: Favorite pan
I have two favorites. The first is a 3 quart saucepan that I use at least 3-4 times a week. The second is my stock pot which I will use all winter long for making soups and stews.


On December 11, 2012 at 12:47 AM, Shalmanese said...
Cast iron skillet that's satiny black with seasoning.


On December 11, 2012 at 07:41 AM, tsaiklops said...
Subject: Cast Iron all the way!
Thanks for reviewing this cookware set and offering a sweet giveaway!!
I love my cast iron pan. It's super well seasoned and I use it for almost everything. I tend to the savory so I don't use it to make sweets like toffee, it's not the best for making gravy (i've tried...) and lingering smell-imparting things like fish. I'd love a chance to play around with some new hardware!


On December 11, 2012 at 08:10 AM, biocarolyn said...
Subject: My Favorite Pan
My favorite pan is my great grandmother's cast iron dutch oven. I try to find excuses to use it, since it reminds me of her and my grandmother. It's easily my most treasured kitchen possession.


On December 11, 2012 at 11:32 AM, tfft said...
Subject: My favorite pot or pan
My current favorite is a Le Creuset I just acquired this fall. I've braised a variety of meats, added some root vegetables and wine and into the oven it goes. I know I could have been doing something similar with other pots, but the Le Creuset seems made for this, and since it's sitting on my stove due to lack of cabinet space it's getting lot's of cooking time. While I can't believe how much I paid for it, I also can't imagine not having it around.


On December 11, 2012 at 12:06 PM, dang said...
Subject: Dutch oven
My favorite pot is a Target-brand dutch oven that I got about six years ago. It was cheap, it's the right size for two people, and it works great for everything from stews to slow-cooking to baking bread.


On December 11, 2012 at 12:44 PM, endcycle said...
I have a lot of pots and pans, but the one think of as my favorite is a no-name stainless one from a restaurant supply place. I was a bartender/sometimes-cook at a local hole-in-the-wall, and we had a stack of these killer-awesome stainless saute pans. I don't think they cost over 20 bucks, and they worked better than anything I've ever used.


On December 11, 2012 at 01:45 PM, dvchurch said...
Subject: Favorite Pot
The most used pan in my house would have to be my 8" ScanPan pro. It's expensive, but by far my favorite non-stick pan -- it still looks as good today as it did when I bought it two years ago.


On December 11, 2012 at 06:01 PM, ResCogitans said...
My fave is a plain old skillet. I love being able to sear meat and then throw the whole pan in the oven!


On December 11, 2012 at 08:50 PM, stache said...
My favorite pan has to be my 10 inch sauce pan. It's so versatile and the sides keep me from slopping all over the place.


On December 12, 2012 at 03:37 AM, channynn said...
Subject: favorite piece of cookware
My cast iron Dutch oven is my favorite cookware to use. It has been the gateway for me to learn many new dishes!


On December 12, 2012 at 11:24 AM, zach said...
Subject: My 12 Cast iron skillet
I just love that I can do almost anything in it. Plus anything that helps me make a great steak jumps up that list.


On December 12, 2012 at 08:37 PM, ellem said...
Subject: Cast Iron Skillet
Definitely my cast iron skillet!


On December 12, 2012 at 09:34 PM, lytri said...
Subject: Slow cooker!
Does the slow cooker count as a pot and/or pan? If so, that's mine! I love putting ingredients in, walking away, and coming back to a meal without much more than a second thought.

If it doesn't count, then I gotta go with the stock pot. Home made vegetable stock makes everything I cook taste so much better.


On December 13, 2012 at 02:48 AM, Wen said...
Subject: Favorite Pan
My favorite pan is a simple oven friendly medium stainless steel skillet with a sturdy handle. Though I love collecting variety of tools, I try to minimize my collection by frequency of use and quality.

Since I generally cook for two, I find that a single skillet may lead to infinite possibilities


On December 13, 2012 at 09:42 AM, cmcconomy said...
Subject: Favorite cookware
Many years back, I bought a fairly expensive set - Lagostina Academy 5-ply - which have been fantastic pots. they heat evenly and look gorgeous.
However, I have two complaints:

1. being 5-ply (SS/alum/copper/alum/SS) construction throughout, they efficiently pull heat up the sides, which means I often find liquids like sauces cooking dry against the sides as they reduce.
2. they end in a straight edge instead of a lip. This is a big problem when you want to pour anything out of the pots, liquids always run down the side of the pot. I never knew how important lips were on the edges of pots + containers until I ended up without them!

Despite their expensive price tag I can't say I consider any of them my favourite! My favourite would likely be a 3-way tie:
1. Carbon Steel crepe pan, for crepes of course
2. Cast-Iron pan, as a workhorse. It never even sees the inside of a drawer, it's constantly in use.
3. Thin northern-style cast-iron wok, stir fries and various chinese dishes. It was a real eye-opener to discover how delicate cast iron can be!

All three helped teach me how important proper pre-heating is to the non-stick properties of the metal.

An addendum, I have two favourite tools to work with these. In the case of the pans, I have a spatula that I will be devastated if I ever break, it's an older style of Calphalon spatula which is both strong and flexible, and very thin so it fits under foods as it flexes unlike most spatulas I run across. I keep trying to find a place to buy backups but calphalon has changed models and doesn't have any of the old ones left.
The other tool, for the wok, would be a cheap pig-iron rounded spatula. It's a rough little tool but somehow I love it


On December 13, 2012 at 01:10 PM, PortlandRocks said...
Subject: My favorite piece of cookware ...
For me, the LeCreuset is about the best stuff around - it browns things well, is oven and stove top friendly & it keeps things warm after cooking if they have to stand. It's just about indestructable too and if you do have any problems, LeCreuset will replace it as it is guaranteed for life. Being married to a fireman who believes that everything you put on the stove top needs to cook on a rocket-hot, bright cherry red burner (I am working with him on this ... ), this cookware can take it. It also works with all kinds of cooktops. It heats evenly and is just all around, good, durable stuff. I don't put it in the dishwasher and I am not sure what the manufacturer recommends, but I do not. I am building my set, slow but sure as it is expensive, but I will also get to leave it to someone who will appreciate when my time here is done - that and my wonderful Kitchen-Aid.


On December 13, 2012 at 01:24 PM, Jim Cooley said...
Subject: Re: Favorite cookware
cmcconomy wrote:
3. Thin northern-style cast-iron wok, stir fries and various chinese dishes. It was a real eye-opener to discover how delicate cast iron can be!,


That sounds interesting -- 'cept I imagine you need gas which I don't have. Sounds like a thinner version of the Indian 'karai'?



cmcconomy wrote:
it's an older style of Calphalon spatula which is both strong and flexible,


LOL, I've got a spatula like that and I'll be devastated if it ever breaks too!

My favorite bit of cookware, excluding my chef's knife, is an 8" stainless steel Farberware skillet. The old kind, with the heavy aluminium base. I scrub it after every use with an abrasive powder so it's as smooth as glass.


On December 13, 2012 at 07:05 PM, ejq75 said...
Subject: My favorite pot or pan
10" Calaphon nonstick. It is a very heavy pan that heats fast and evenly.


On December 13, 2012 at 08:55 PM, suzwilson said...
Subject: Favorite pan
hands-down it's my 3 qt. All-Clad saucier.


On December 14, 2012 at 07:49 AM, Bryan_W said...
Probably my cast iron skillet because it's the only one I have that's oven safe.


On December 14, 2012 at 04:07 PM, njampani said...
Subject: Favorite pot and pan
My favorite pot is farberware classic 51/2 quart saucepot. I had this pot for more than 9 years now and undoubtedly I can say that I have cooked some great meals using this pot. My family's favorite is the chicken curry that I make in this pot.


On December 14, 2012 at 09:03 PM, S40440 said...
Subject: Favorite Pan
My favorite pan is a 10" cast iron. It's my goto pan for almost anything.


On December 14, 2012 at 11:40 PM, dsbernhardt said...
Subject: I'm a cast iron kid
I love my 10" cast iron skillets. There's always one or more of these versatile pans on my stove. I use them to cook everything breakfast (bacon, eggs, sausage, pancakes, fried potatoes), most things meat (burgers, chops, steaks, pot roast) many things bread (cornbread, rolls, dill bread), and even some things dessert (fancy apple tarte).

Not only do my cast iron skillets and chicken fryer fill many purposes, they have been doing so for decades (one, I believe, for over a century), and are better than new.

Sure, there are a few things that cast iron is not good for (tomato and other acidic sauces, and soups). For those things, I'd think that a nice stainless steel set, with some thick bottoms and little copper would just do the trick. My own non-cast iron choice is Farberware, from back when I got married 30 years ago (Newer stuff doesn't look quite as sturdy).

I'd like to win the lovely stainless for my daughter -- I already found her a cast iron skillet.


On December 15, 2012 at 05:02 PM, iliadawry said...
I recently got a cast iron skillet, and I love it to itty bitty pieces. I'm used to cheap cookware; while this piece technically isn't any more expensive, it reacts more like I'd imagine quality pieces would. My home fries are delicious!


On December 16, 2012 at 03:13 PM, yyay said...
Subject: Favorite pan - rondeau
Years ago when I first wanted to learn about cooking, I lived in New York City and so took the advice of New York Times columnists and visited Bridge Kitchenware to purchase some basic pans. There I was told that if I could buy only one piece, then it should be a rondeau. I'd never heard of a rondeau and it seemed big to be the one go-to piece of cookware, but I decided to listen to the expert and bought the pan.

He was right.

The rondeau is the one because it's so versatile--on the stove or in the oven, for sauteeing, frying, simmering, braising, stewing, boiling, or pretty much anything a Dutch oven, casserole, large frying pan, or stock pot can do. Plus, with its size, cooking in batches is rarely required.

But mostly it makes me happy to cook with it.


On December 16, 2012 at 08:03 PM, treznor said...
Gotta be either my 10" cast iron pan or my stock pot. The cast iron probably wins just because I use it more often.


On December 16, 2012 at 10:03 PM, rocketman1555 said...
Definitely my cast iron skillet. There's no better way to make hash browns or corn bread.


On December 17, 2012 at 12:01 AM, bzjm said...
Subject: My favorite pan or pot
My favorite is the stock pot. I like to take the bones leftover from cooked chicken or beef and make a good rich broth. It's so good for stews and has lots of nutrition, too.


On December 17, 2012 at 02:39 AM, gcsmith05 said...
Subject: what's your favorite pot and why?
My favorite right now is my 12" cast iron skillet. The flavors that stay in the skillet and season the new food are amazing. I've been cooking a lot of steaks on the stove-top, so it is perfect.


On December 17, 2012 at 11:48 AM, cliffdweller said...
Subject: what's your favorite pot and why?
My favorite is my old 11 inch Farberware Millenium skillet. It has been a workhorse in my kitchen for over 20 years. Using metal utensils has not been a problem, and the nonstick coating hasn't given any sign of starting to flake off.


On December 17, 2012 at 11:53 AM, wikkit said...
I have fairly cheap pots and pans. I finally used my big stockpot to make stock from the remains of the thanksgiving turkey though, which turned out really well, so it can be the one.


On December 17, 2012 at 12:21 PM, wwpaden said...
Subject: My favorite pot
My favorite pot is a Lodge enameled cast iron dutch oven. This time of year, I am making stews and soups, and I can simply put everything together an put it in the oven to cook away as I am doing other things during the weekend. I will have enough left over to freeze for dinners during the week.


On December 17, 2012 at 02:22 PM, fredepa said...
Subject: Favorite pan
My favorite pan by far is my old cast iron frying pan. I does pretty much anything.


On December 17, 2012 at 06:07 PM, progressivegrae said...
Subject: Favorite pot
My saute pan, I guess. It certainly gets the most work.


On December 17, 2012 at 10:38 PM, husskat said...
My current favorite pan is my 8-inch nonstick saute pan, in which I make the world's most perfect scrambled eggs every morning. My new favorite pan is any of the ones in this beautiful set that you are giving away : )


On December 18, 2012 at 10:41 AM, Red-Cat said...
My 11" non-stick saute pan is certainly the one that gets the most use - there are a number of one-pan meals that I make in that pan. I think I'd starve without that pan! :)


On December 18, 2012 at 03:00 PM, ragout_guy said...
Subject: My favorite
12 inch skillet. It's so big and I use it when I really want to cook up a meal for lots of friends


On December 18, 2012 at 04:51 PM, nomy said...
i hope there will be an international giveaway some wonderful day in the future...

greetings from germany


On December 18, 2012 at 06:43 PM, Jenglambert said...
Subject: Contest entry
My favorite pan is my 8" nonstick skillet. I use it nearly every day to make omelets and scrambled eggs.


On December 18, 2012 at 07:27 PM, newmoo said...
Subject: Favorite Cookware
My favorite cookware is my vintage Descoware pot roaster that belonged to my mother. Of course, I love that it was my Mom's, but I also love that it helps to keep my biceps and triceps in shape. :) I like to use it for cooking "rainbow noodles," which is my son's favorite go-to dinner.


On December 18, 2012 at 09:26 PM, Llcg said...
Subject: Favorite cookware
Not sure I have a favorite. My mom had a square pan I loved because I could fit four pieces of French toast on at a time. :). Thanks for hosting the giveaway.


On December 18, 2012 at 10:05 PM, rdking647 said...
Subject: favorite cookware
my favorite is my large 14" saute pan. i use it for everything from spaghetti sauce to sauteing pork chops


On December 19, 2012 at 05:09 AM, Thoth said...
My current favorite is a 6 quart dutch oven since I home brew in one gallon batches its thermal mas makes mashing the grains easier to maintain at the proper temperature.


On December 19, 2012 at 09:03 AM, KARD (guest) said...
Subject: Favorite Pan
Porcelain interior, enamel exterior stock pot. Fast to boil, easy to clean. Took awhile of trial and error to figure out the timing but now it is my favorite pan. I think it is made by Chantal.


On December 19, 2012 at 12:57 PM, Chaotic said...
12" skillet useful for so many things. My current favorite meal is beef stroganoff from the site.


On December 19, 2012 at 01:59 PM, Mel Egito said...
Subject: Favorite Pan
I love my roasting pan. With it I can cook from cookies to chicken!


On December 19, 2012 at 02:10 PM, Mjames said...
Subject: Wide saute pan
More surface, faster and more even cooking. I cook big and love starting most dishes in a wide saute pan. I also love a Dutch Oven.


On December 19, 2012 at 10:51 PM, KATHYK@POBOX.COM (guest) said...
Subject: love saute pans
my new favorite recipe is brown butter with crispy sage, to go with butternut squash ravioli!


On December 20, 2012 at 11:09 AM, drharris said...
I have a large 14" hard-anodized skillet I can't get enough of. It has a long handle and is quite heavy, but it retains heat super well and cooks evenly. I'm also quite partial to my 10" cast iron skillet, as it is old and seasoned, and I can trust it to make the best roux for gumbo, or cornbread in the oven.


On December 20, 2012 at 11:57 AM, BraveDave said...
I have a 6 quart stock pot that is by far my favorite. It gets plenty of use making pastas, soups and of course my favorite, CHILI.


On December 20, 2012 at 12:00 PM, Mechelle Borgman said...
Subject: Favorite pan!
Although heavy, I like using my Lodge Dutch Oven. This pan heats well and keeps food moist while cooking. It is great for cooking roasts, hams, etc.

Again, although heavy, we have a Lodge Griddle. You can use one side to cook pancakes, the other for bacon or grilling sandwitches. The food seems to cook just right.


On December 22, 2012 at 01:37 AM, mali207 said...
My favorite pan is my cast iron skillet. I use it daily for almost everything - eggs, grilled cheese, pork chops, even spaghetti sauce.


On December 22, 2012 at 08:08 AM, jenniesue101 said...
Subject: My favorite pan
I love my very old, Griswold cast iron #9 pan. It feels like silk inside. Made in early 1900's, it is light, and heats wonderfully. I use it for everything from eggs, potatoes, meat, cornbread, roasts. To clean it originally, I placed it in an oven, started self clean cycle and let it cook. Then oiled it with lard and left it in the oven for a week. Black and shiny, good as new. This works for old grease build up, rust and "crud". So buy an old one and clean it up!


On December 22, 2012 at 02:45 PM, PamelaM182 said...
Subject: My favorite "pan"
While it may be considered "servingware" versus a pan, I love my Wilton Armetale large bowl. It can be put in the freezer to keep salads cool but is also oven-proof and is wonderful for a great cheese dip I may for parties.


On December 22, 2012 at 08:20 PM, awinzler said...
Subject: My favorite pan
My favorite pan is an 8" cast iron skillet that I use for campfire cooking. Omelettes and bacon on a campfire can't be beat.


On December 23, 2012 at 04:50 PM, Mister_Rob said...
Subject: My Favorite Pan
I love my Circulon Buffet. It seems to be my "go to" piece of cookware for everything from browning a roast to popping popcorn. I can get my roux going and finish a sauce in it. The surface is a quick easy clean and it can go from stovetop to oven. It's truly perfect in its versatility.


On December 23, 2012 at 09:42 PM, alexwasserman said...
I have a copper embedded set from Costco that's really pretty decent.

However, for my fav. I have a larger 13" lodge cast iron skillet that is pretty much indestructible. Totally non-stick now and handles everything.


On December 23, 2012 at 11:02 PM, christyr1q said...
Subject: I'd love a set
Really we just need a good popcorn pan for the induction stove, but a whole set would be cool too!


On December 24, 2012 at 01:31 AM, matth43 said...
The most useful pan I own is a 12-in. diameter high-sided stainless. I've gotten to the point where it rarely even gets put away, just gets washed and placed back on the stove for the next time I need it. Cooking for only two people, there's very little that is too large to fit in it unless I'm planning for leftovers.

I use it for everything from pork tenderloin to veggie sautes, works pretty well as a one quiver pot in almost any situation.


On December 24, 2012 at 01:54 AM, RubeChilds said...
Subject: pot head
I feel like a tool opportunist, this being my first post, to win a set of pots!

Pots rule!

I think my current favorite is a blue 8 or 9" Le Creuset skillet I picked up at a thrift store for three dollars.

It's perfect for any single serving one pot meal; reheating left-overs; grilled cheese; over medium eggs, omelets... okay, so maybe one might need a little skill too, cast iron and omelets being what they are.

I have mad skills.

and no, i am not a pot head pot head.


My second favorite pot is Bona Vita stove top kettle. I'm a bit of a coffee snob.


On December 24, 2012 at 04:17 AM, McChefdeCuisine said...
Subject: Cookware for Christmas?
My favorite is an 4 quart stainless steel pot with small handles on each side. I don't know how many things I've made in that pot in the last 5+ years! It's the perfect size for the recipes I make on a regular basis. My stainless steel skillet is a close runner up though.


On December 24, 2012 at 08:37 AM, fisherman83 said...
Subject: My favorite pan
My favorite pan is a 14" wok that I got from walmart. They no longer sell them and the company name has worn off, so I'm not sure of the brand. I love using it to cook Asian food and and stir fry.


On December 24, 2012 at 11:19 AM, shawnals (guest) said...
Subject: my favorite pot
would have to be my enamel coated cast iron dutch oven..heavy but I love it!


On December 24, 2012 at 02:06 PM, rst629 said...
I think the 12 inch "International Pan"s I have (Anolon & Circulon) are
my favorite all-purpose pans, but I'd love to have a new set to test out
to find a new favorite !


On December 24, 2012 at 03:40 PM, hasmith said...
Subject: Anolon Nouvelle Copper Stainless Steel Cookware Set 2012
Favorite, has to be my 10 inch deBuyer. Saute fish/chicken.


On December 24, 2012 at 06:39 PM, beerdiva said...
Subject: My Favorite pot
I love my 12" cast iron skillet. I bought and seasoned with real lard. It works better than teflon.


On December 24, 2012 at 10:26 PM, Michael Chu said...
Thanks everyone for entering the contest. It was a lot of fun reading how people use their pots and what makes them like them!

All entries above this comment will be counted as submissions. Only the first entry for people who commented multiple times will be counted. I'll post the winner shortly.


On December 24, 2012 at 10:37 PM, Michael Chu said...
Subject: And the winner is...
fisherman83!

I pulled all 117 comments, removed mine, duplicates, and those where I did not have email addresses (the few guest posts where the user provided identifying information were included but the couple guest/anonymous posts without any information were excluded). The final tally was 112 entrants. I used random.org to generate a random number and it gave me 109 which equated to fisherman83 (who was the 109th qualifying post [and the 112th comment overall]).

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